Unleash the Wilderness: The Redesigned 4Runner TRD Pro Takes Command!

A Revolutionary Reimagining: Bridging Legacy with Tomorrow's Demands

The 2025 4Runner TRD Pro unmistakably asserts its off-road dominance from every angle, leaving no doubt about its adventurous spirit. Its design eschews urban conformity, showcasing all-terrain tires on distinctive matte black TRD wheels, a robust front skid plate, pronounced black fender flares, an assertive hood intake, vibrant red tow hooks, a powerful LED light bar, and a substantial roof rack. These elements collectively signal the TRD Pro's readiness to conquer the untamed wilderness. After a sixteen-year hiatus, the 4Runner's long-awaited redesign retains its enduring body-on-frame architecture, a cornerstone of its rugged authenticity. In the realm of purpose-built off-road SUVs, it stands tall alongside formidable competitors such as the Jeep Wrangler, Lexus GX, Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender, and even Toyota's own Land Cruiser. Yet, when it comes to tackling the most challenging terrains, the 4Runner TRD Pro may possess an edge over the new Land Cruiser.

Power and Efficiency Redefined: The Heart of the New 4Runner

After more than a decade and a half, the 4Runner's comprehensive redesign ushers in a new era of performance. The venerable 4.0-liter V6 engine has been supplanted by a more potent and efficient turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, seamlessly integrated with a hybrid system. In the TRD Pro variant, this innovative powertrain generates an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, significantly surpassing the capabilities of its predecessor. The engine's sound is robust and purposeful, a welcome departure from the anemic high-pitched tones often associated with other turbo-fours. With a test vehicle price of $73,568, including delivery, processing, and handling, this new iteration promises an exhilarating and uncompromising driving experience.

Modernized Aesthetics: The Evolution of an Icon's Form

For countless years, enthusiasts yearned for a contemporary 4Runner, and the latest iteration delivers a truly transformative redesign. At first glance, the TRD Pro retains its unmistakable 4Runner identity: a commanding boxy profile, boldly flared fenders, and the signature forward-canted C-pillar, all contributing to its authentic visual presence. The essence of the 4Runner's design integrity remains intact, a testament to the success of this remarkable redesign. The previously flat door panels now feature deeper, more sculpted contours, while the fenders exhibit a sharper, more angular design. The front fascia boasts a newfound ruggedness that harmonizes seamlessly with the vehicle's overall form. The TRD Pro trim, as anticipated, fully embraces off-road styling cues, incorporating heritage-inspired Toyota grille lettering, a standard roof rack, blacked-out accents, substantial 33-inch all-terrain tires, and protective skid plates. Its exceptionally robust fender trim evokes a sense of unparalleled durability, reminiscent of the Kia Tasman's assertive styling.

Interior Command Center: Tactical Controls for Every Adventure

Upon entering the cabin, the most striking advancement is the dramatic leap in technology. The antiquated dashboard of the previous 4Runner has been replaced by a sprawling 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, a fully digital instrument cluster, and a remarkably uncluttered layout. A standout feature that persists, and is now executed with even greater finesse, is the tactile switchgear. The prominent, robust shift knob remains, complemented by ergonomic knobs and buttons for audio and climate control, a generously sized drive mode selector, and a dedicated bank of controls for auxiliary functions, lighting, and the TRD Pro's integrated LED light bar. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the intuitive interface ensures seamless and responsive operation, finally aligning with the offerings of competitors like Ford and Jeep. The interior materials, characterized by matte and grippy plastics, convey an impression of exceptional durability, and every component feels robust and precisely engineered. While it may not possess the opulent refinement of a Lexus LX, this cabin is unequivocally designed for purposeful utility, featuring surfaces that are both resilient to mud and dirt and maintain a professional aesthetic. The subtle faux carbon fiber trim on the dashboard adds an interesting visual element, offering a refined yet non-ostentatious appearance. The TRD Pro's interior, adorned with vibrant red accents, SofTex-trimmed seats, and prominent TRD badging, imbues the space with personality without compromising its fundamental utilitarian nature. Toyota meticulously ensured that the 4Runner's essential controls were not solely reliant on a digital interface. Every function is easily accessible and operable while driving, thanks to knurled knobs, a tire-tread-patterned grab bar, intuitive steering wheel controls, and tactile switches. The pervasive driver distractions often associated with touch-screen-only SUVs are, commendably, minimized here due to the superior physical controls. No driver desires to navigate complex climate menus while commanding a vehicle of this magnitude at highway speeds.

Comfort and Practicality: Spaciousness for the Journey Ahead

The comfort levels in both rows of the 4Runner are remarkably impressive. The front bucket seats, while generously proportioned, offer excellent support with just the right amount of cushioning. The driving position is equally commendable, with only a slight visual obstruction from the hood intake's plastic bulge. Despite its imposing stature, the vehicle remains surprisingly manageable. Rear legroom measures a comfortable 34.8 inches, representing a two-inch increase over the previous 4Runner, though it falls slightly short of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Taller passengers may experience minor constraints if the front occupants are exceptionally tall. Fortunately, the second row offers a reclining function for enhanced comfort. Cargo space is quite generous, with hybrid models providing 42.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a cavernous 82.6 cubic feet when the second row is folded flat. While hybrid models concede approximately 8 cubic feet of total cargo capacity to their non-hybrid counterparts, we found the space more than adequate for stowing ample bags and sports equipment. Small item storage is also well-considered, with numerous door pockets, cubbies, and multiple compartments within the center console.

Dynamic Performance: The Turbo-Four That Thinks It's a V6

Under the hood, Toyota has finally retired the long-serving V6 engine, which, with its modest 270 horsepower, often felt sluggish and unresponsive. The old 5-speed automatic transmission's slow downshifts further compounded this, necessitating careful planning for freeway merges and overtaking maneuvers. All these limitations are comprehensively addressed in the new 4Runner TRD Pro, which boasts a hybridized turbo-four engine paired with an advanced 8-speed transmission. In real-world driving conditions, the hybrid system delivers robust low-end torque, facilitating effortless city driving and smooth highway merging. From a standstill, the new 4Runner feels more responsive than any previous iteration. Gear shifts are seamless, though a slight hesitation can occasionally be perceived when sudden power is demanded at highway speeds. Fuel economy has notably improved over the previous 4Runner's meager 17 mpg combined. We consistently achieved just over 20 mpg, often engaging Sport mode. The 4Runner TRD Pro's EPA estimate is 23 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, numbers that are likely attainable with a more conservative driving style. The most significant enhancement in the 2025 4Runner is its refined ride quality. Built upon a new platform shared with the latest Tacoma and Land Cruiser, it offers remarkably improved on-road stability. Despite the 4Runner TRD Pro's dedicated off-road suspension, it exhibits impressive composure on paved surfaces. The revised suspension system effectively absorbs bumps, and highway cruising is noticeably quieter, with only minimal wind noise. The steering possesses a satisfying weight, and while not entirely lacking in feedback, it provides a confident and predictable feel.

Unrivaled Capability: The TRD Pro's Off-Road Pedigree

Ultimately, there's no denying the 4Runner's body-on-frame construction. It retains its truck-like driving characteristics, albeit with a heightened sense of smoothness and refinement. Daily driving no longer feels like a chore, and it exhibits a more car-like demeanor than its predecessor, unequivocally outperforming a Jeep Wrangler in on-road manners. Nevertheless, its inherent capability for tackling serious off-road challenges remains undeniable. One can only hope that those who invest in the TRD Pro trim, which commands a $26,000 premium over the base SR5, will fully utilize its formidable off-road potential. Given the absence of readily accessible off-road parks in our vicinity, we limited our testing to less demanding terrains. If you're willing to pay for the 4Runner TRD Pro's extensive standard features, including Fox internal bypass shocks, an electronically locking rear differential, the Stabilizer Disconnect System, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a substantial 9.5 inches of ground clearance, you owe it to yourself to put them to use. Having experienced numerous off-road vehicles, including Land Rover Range Rovers, Mercedes G-Classes, Jeep Wranglers, and even a Nissan Rogue Rock Creek, the 4Runner TRD Pro stands shoulder to shoulder with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, though it might not surpass it due to the absence of a locking front differential. On a positive note, its Multi-Terrain Select system stands as one of the most advanced off-road drive mode programs available on the market.

The Verdict: A True Off-Road Icon Reborn

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro represents a monumental leap forward from its previous generation. It is more powerful, more fuel-efficient, safer, and remarkably more comfortable. Its unparalleled off-road capability remains its most compelling attribute, and loyalists will undoubtedly appreciate that Toyota has preserved its rugged identity. It is undeniably recognizable as a 4Runner, which is a testament to its enduring design. If your driving is primarily confined to paved roads, investing in the TRD Pro's premium off-road features may not be necessary. However, if you seek a vehicle that seamlessly blends everyday comfort and practicality with the ability to conquer challenging trails on weekends, this is unequivocally the ultimate machine for your adventures.